Antinociceptive and anticonvulsant effects of the monoterpene linalool oxide.

CONTEXT: Linalool oxide (OXL) (a monoterpene) is found in the essential oils of certain aromatic plants, or it is derived from linalool. The motivation for this work is the lack of psychopharmacological studies on this substance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate OXL's acute toxicity, along with its anticonvulsant and antinociceptive activities in male Swiss mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: OXL (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, i.p.) was investigated for acute toxicity and in the Rota-rod test. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by the acetic acid-induced writhing test, and by formalin testing. Anticonvulsant effects were demonstrated by testing for pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures and by Maximum Electroshock headset (MES) test. OXL was administered to the animals intraperitoneally 30 min before for pharmacological tests. RESULTS: OXL showed an LD50 of ∼721 (681-765) mg/kg. In the Rota-rod test, it was observed that OXL caused no damage to the animal's motor coordination. OXL significantly reduced (p < .001) the number of writhings. OXL also significantly decreased (p < .05, p < .01 or p < .001) paw-licking time in the two phases of the formalin test. OXL significantly reduced (p < .01 or p < .001) the duration of tonic seizures in the MES test, and at the dose 150 mg/kg, significantly increased (p < .01) the latency to first seizure in the PTZ test. CONCLUSION: The tested doses of OXL were safe, with no motor impairment, and show clear antinociceptive and anticonvulsant potential. Future investigations with this monoterpene may lead to the development of a new molecule with even higher potency and selectivity.

Anxiolytic Effect of Citrus aurantium L. on Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

The bone marrow aspiration procedure is used in hematological diseases and consists of a painful, invasive procedure causing anxiety-associated symptoms. The present study assessed the effect of Citrus aurantium L. essential oil on the treatment of anxiety, in the moment that precedes the collection of medullary material in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Volunteers from both sexes were divided into groups receiving either the C. aurantium essential oil through inhalation, diazepam (10 mg), or the placebo. The evaluation was performed through psychometric scales [State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)] and physiological measurements (blood pressure and cardiac and respiratory frequency). Inhalation of C. aurantium was associated with a decrease in the STAI-S scores, suggesting an anxiolytic effect. In support of these results, a change in all the physiological measurements was observed in the group exposed to C. aurantium. In the diazepam group, only the diastolic pressure decreased, and no effect was observed in the placebo group. Therefore, the results showed that C. aurantium exhibits an anxiolytic effect and reduces the signs and symptoms associated with anxiety in patients with CML.

Comparative Anticonvulsant Study of Epoxycarvone Stereoisomers.

Stereoisomers of the monoterpene epoxycarvone (EC), namely (+)-cis-EC, (-)-cis-EC, (+)-trans-EC, and (-)-trans-EC, were comparatively evaluated for anticonvulsant activity in specific methodologies. In the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced anticonvulsant test, all of the stereoisomers (at 300 mg/kg) increased the latency to seizure onset, and afforded 100% protection against the death of the animals. In the maximal electroshock-induced seizures (MES) test, prevention of tonic seizures was also verified for all of the isomers tested. However, the isomeric forms (+) and (-)-trans-EC showed 25% and 12.5% inhibition of convulsions, respectively. In the pilocarpine-induced seizures test, all stereoisomers demonstrated an anticonvulsant profile, yet the stereoisomers (+) and (-)-trans-EC (at 300 mg/kg) showed a more pronounced effect. A strychnine-induced anticonvulsant test was performed, and none of the stereoisomers significantly increased the latency to onset of convulsions; the stereoisomers probably do not act in this pathway. However, the stereoisomers (+)-cis-EC and (+)-trans-EC greatly increased the latency to death of the animals, thus presenting some protection. The four EC stereoisomers show promise for anticonvulsant activity, an effect emphasized in the isomers (+)-cis-EC, (+)-trans-EC, and (-)-trans-EC for certain parameters of the tested methodologies. These results serve as support for further research and development of antiepileptic drugs from monoterpenes.

Curine, an alkaloid isolated from Chondrodendron platyphyllum inhibits prostaglandin E2 in experimental models of inflammation and pain.

Curine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid that is isolated from Chondrodendron platyphyllum, a plant that is used to treat malaria, inflammation, and pain. Recent reports have demonstrated the antiallergic effects of curine at nontoxic doses. However, its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties remain to be elucidated. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of curine in mice. We analyzed the effects of an oral treatment with curine in the formation of paw edema, vascular permeability, abdominal contortion, licking behavior, and hyperalgesia using different inflammatory stimuli. Curine significantly inhibited the formation of paw edema by decreasing vascular permeability, inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing response, inhibited the licking behavior during inflammation but not during the neurogenic phase of the formalin test, and inhibited carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia. Finally, curine inhibited prostaglandin E2 production in vitro without affecting cyclooxygenase-2 expression. The effects of curine treatment were similar to the effects of indomethacin, but were different from the effects of morphine treatment, suggesting that the analgesic effects of curine do not result from the direct inhibition of neuronal activation but instead depend on anti-inflammatory mechanisms that, at least in part, result from the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 production. In conclusion, curine presents anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects at nontoxic doses and has the potential for use in anti-inflammatory drug development.

Effects of acute administration of 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol in mouse models of seizures.

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures, presents a substantial challenge in approximately one-third of cases exhibiting resistance to conventional pharmacological treatments. This study investigated the effect of 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol, a phenolic compound derived from various natural sources, in different models of induced seizures and its impact on animal electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings. Adult male Swiss albino mice were pre-treated (i.p.) with a dose curve of 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg), its vehicle (Tween), or standard antiepileptic drug (Diazepam; or Phenytoin). Subsequently, the mice were subjected to different seizure-inducing models - pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA), pilocarpine (PILO), or maximal electroshock seizure (MES). EEG analysis was performed on other animals surgically implanted with electrodes to evaluate brain activity. Significant results revealed that animals treated with 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol exhibited increased latency to the first myoclonic jerk in the PTZ and PILO models; prolonged latency to the first tonic-clonic seizure in the PTZ, 3-MPA, and PILO models; reduced total duration of tonic-clonic seizures in the PTZ and PILO models; decreased intensity of convulsive seizures in the PTZ and 3-MPA models; and diminished mortality in the 3-MPA, PILO, and MES models. EEG analysis indicated an increase in the percentage of total power attributed to beta waves following 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol administration. Notably, the substance protected from behavioral and electrographic seizures in the PTZ model, preventing increases in the average amplitude of recording signals while also inducing an increase in the participation of theta and gamma waves. These findings suggest promising outcomes for the tested phenolic compound across diverse pre-clinical seizure models, highlighting the need for further comprehensive studies to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and validate its clinical relevance in epilepsy management.

Mechanisms Involved in the Therapeutic Effect of Cannabinoid Compounds on Gliomas: A Review with Experimental Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Brain tumors have high morbidity and mortality rates, accounting for 1.4% of all cancers. Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Currently, several therapeutic approaches are used; however, they are associated with side effects that affect patients'quality of life. Therefore, further studies are needed to develop novel therapeutic protocols with a more favorable side effect profile. In this context, cannabinoid compounds may serve as potential alternatives. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the key enzymatic targets involved in glioma pathophysiology and evaluate the potential interaction of these targets with four cannabinoid derivatives through molecular docking simulations. METHODS: Molecular docking simulations were performed using four cannabinoid compounds and six molecular targets associated with glioma pathophysiology. RESULTS: Encouraging interactions between the selected enzymes and glioma-related targets were observed, suggesting their potential activity through these pathways. In particular, cannabigerol showed promising interactions with epidermal growth factor receptors and phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase, while Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol showed remarkable interactions with telomerase reverse transcriptase. CONCLUSION: The evaluated compounds exhibited favorable interactions with the analyzed enzymatic targets, thus representing potential candidates for further in vitro and in vivo studies.

An In Silico Approach to Exploring the Antinociceptive Biological Activities of Linalool and its Metabolites.

Pain is characterized by the unpleasant sensory and emotional sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, whereas nociception refers to the mechanism by which noxious stimuli are transmitted from the periphery to the CNS. The main drugs used to treat pain are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid analgesics, which have side effects that limit their use. Therefore, in the search for new drugs with potential antinociceptive effects, essential oils have been studied, whose constituents (monoterpenes) are emerging as a new therapeutic possibility. Among them, linalool and its metabolites stand out. The present study aims to investigate the antinociceptive potential of linalool and its metabolites through a screening using an in silico approach. Molecular docking was used to evaluate possible interactions with important targets involved in antinociceptive activity, such as α2-adrenergic, GABAergic, muscarinic, opioid, adenosinergic, transient potential, and glutamatergic receptors. The compounds in the investigated series obtained negative energies for all enzymes, representing satisfactory interactions with the targets and highlighting the multi-target potential of the L4 metabolite. Linalool and its metabolites have a high likelihood of modulatory activity against the targets involved in nociception and are potential candidates for future drugs.

Effect of N-salicyloyltryptamine (STP), a novel tryptamine analogue, on parameters of cell viability, oxidative stress, and immunomodulation in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Immunomodulatory actions exerted by some classes of tryptamines, such as benzoyltryptamine analogues, suggest these molecules as promising candidates to develop new therapies to treat conditions associated to acute and chronic pain and inflammation. N-salicyloyltryptamine (STP) was observed to act as an anticonvulsive agent and exert antinociceptive effects in mouse. In the present work, we performed a screening of cytotoxic, cytoprotective, immunomodulatory, and redox properties of STP in RAW 264.7 macrophages challenged with hydrogen peroxide and LPS. Our results show that STP presents no cytotoxicity in the range of 0.001 to 1 µg/mL, but doses of 50 and 100 µg/mL caused loss of cell viability (IC(50) = 22.75 µg/mL). Similarly, STP at 0.001 to 1 µg/mL did not cause oxidative stress to RAW 264.7 cells, although it did not prevent cell death induced by H(2)O(2) 0.5 mM. At 1 µg/mL, STP reversed some redox and inflammatory parameters induced by LPS. These include thiol (sulfhydryl) oxidation, superoxide dismutase activation, and morphological changes associated to macrophage activation. Besides, STP significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1ß release, as well as CD40 and TNF-α protein upregulation. Signaling events induced by LPS, such as phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and IκBα and p65 nuclear translocation (NF-kB activation) were also inhibited by STP. These data indicate that STP is able to modulate inflammatory parameters at doses that do not interfere in cell viability.

In vitro evaluation of schistosomicidal activity of essential oil of Mentha x villosa and some of its chemical constituents in adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni.

This study aimed to determine the composition of the essential oil of Mentha x villosa and to evaluate its biological effects in vitro on adult worms of S. mansoni. Rotundifolone (70.96 %), limonene (8.75 %), trans-caryophyllene (1.46 %), and ß-pinene (0.81 %) were shown to be the major constituents of this oil. Adult worms of S. mansoni were incubated with different concentrations of the essential oil (1, 10, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 µg/mL) and of its constituents rotundifolone (0.7, 3.54, 7.09, 70.96, 177.4, 354.8, and 700.96 µg/mL), limonene (43.75 µg/mL), trans-caryophyllene (7.3 µg/mL), and ß-pinene (4.03 µg/mL). No schistosomicidal activity was identified at the trans-caryophyllene and ß-pinene concentrations studied. However, use of the essential oil (10 µg/mL), rotundifolone (7.09 µg/mL), and limonene (43.75 µg/mL) resulted in decreased worm motility continuing until 96 hours of observation. At higher concentrations (100 and 70.96 µg/mL, respectively), both the essential oil and rotundifolone caused mortality among adult worms of S. mansoni. The positive control praziquantel caused the death of all parasites after 24 h of evaluation. The results from this study suggest that the essential oil of Mentha x villosa presents schistosomicidal efficacy.

Computational Studies Applied to Linalool and Citronellal Derivatives Against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disorders: A Review with Experimental Approach.

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are neurodegenerative disorders that affect a great number of people around the world, seriously compromising the quality of life of individuals, due to motor and cognitive damage. In these diseases, pharmacological treatment is used only to alleviate symptoms. This emphasizes the need to discover alternative molecules for use in prevention. Using Molecular Docking, this review aimed to evaluate the anti-Alzheimer's and anti-Parkinson's activity of linalool and citronellal, as well as their derivatives. Before performing Molecular Docking simulations, the compounds' pharmacokinetic characteristics were evaluated. For Molecular Docking, 7 chemical compounds derived from citronellal, and 10 compounds derived from linalool, and molecular targets involved in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's pathophysiology were selected. According to the Lipinski rules, the compounds under study presented good oral absorption and bioavailability. For toxicity, some tissue irritability was observed. For Parkinson-related targets, the citronellal and linalool derived compounds revealed excellent energetic affinity for α-Synuclein, Adenosine Receptors, Monoamine Oxidase (MAO), and Dopamine D1 receptor proteins. For Alzheimer disease targets, only linalool and its derivatives presented promise against BACE enzyme activity. The compounds studied presented high probability of modulatory activity against the disease targets under study, and are potential candidates for future drugs.

Post-learning caffeine administration improves 'what-when' and 'what-where' components of episodic-like memory in rats.

Episodic-like memory (ELM) consists in the capacity of nonhuman animals to remember 'where' and 'when' a specific episode occurred ('what'). Previous studies have showed that Wistar rats can form an ELM, but not after a 24 h retention delay. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that caffeine can improve episodic memory consolidation in humans. Therefore, we verified whether acute post-sample caffeine administration could improve ELM consolidation in Wistar rats, as well if it could be related to neurochemical changes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus - regions related to episodic-like memory processing. 46 Male Wistar Rats, approximately 3 months-old, were divided into four groups as follows: untreated (n = 11), saline (n = 11), caffeine 10 mg ∕kg i.p (n = 12); caffeine 15 mg∕kgi.p (n = 12) and tested in WWWhen/ELM task. The animals treated with caffeine in different dosages (10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg) discriminated temporally and spatially the objects, respectively. These groups also showed a dopamine renewal rate in the hippocampus, suggesting that there was an increase in the turnover compared with the groups with no caffeine administration. We can conclude that caffeine leads to an improvement in the consolidation of the temporal ('what-when') and spatial ('what-where') aspects of episodic-like memory.

Anticonvulsant Activity of trans-Anethole in Mice.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting 1-2% of world population, and one-third of patients are refractory to pharmacological treatment. This fact has stimulated research for new antiepileptic drugs and natural products have been an important source. trans-Anethole (TAN) is a phenylpropanoid, component of some essential oils, extracted from plants, and its effects have been little studied. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the TAN effect in classic seizure models and evaluate the electroencephalographic (EEG) profile of animals treated with this substance. For this, Swiss male mice (Mus musculus) were used, and the lethal dose was evaluated and subsequently submitted to the test maximal electroshock (MES), the pentylenetetrazole- (PTZ) induced seizure test, and the EEG profile. Initially, the LD50 for TAN was estimated in 1000 mg/kg (i.p.) dose and there was no sign of acute toxicity or death. In the MES test, TAN 300, i.p. (12.00 ± 2.9 s) and 400 mg/kg, i.p. (9.00 ± 4.4 s) doses was able to decrease tonic seizures duration induced by electric discharge (0.5 mA, 150 pulses/s, for 0.5 s). In the PTZ test (75 mg/kg, i.p.), TAN 400 mg/kg, i.p. increased the latency to myoclonic jerks (80.0 (56.0-134.0)), the latency totonic-clonic seizures (900.0 (861.0-900.0) and decrease seizure duration (0.0 (0.0-10.0)). No deaths were found in this groups compared to vehicle. EEG analysis showed an amplitude decrease of waves (ratio of baseline) in TAN 300 (1.82 ± 0.23) and 400 mg/kg (1.06 ± 0.16) groups. In this way, TAN at 400 mg/kg was able to inhibit and/or attenuate seizures by increasing the time for the onset of spasms and convulsions, as reducing the duration of seizures. The EEG profile corroborate with this results showing a reduction in the amplitude of waves compared to the PTZ group. Thus, TAN showed an anticonvulsant effect in all experimental models performed, behavioral and electroencephalographic.

Antinociceptive activity of the chloroform fraction of Dioclea virgata (Rich.) Amshoff (Fabaceae) in mice.

Acute treatment with the chloroform fraction of Dioclea virgata (Rich.) Amshoff (CFDv) in mice produced decreased ambulation and sedation in the behavioral pharmacological screening. Doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg CFDv decreased latency of sleep onset in the test of sleeping time potentiation. In the open field, animals treated with CFDv reduced ambulation and rearing (250 mg/kg), as well as defecation (125; 250 mg/kg). Regarding the antinociceptive activity, CFDv (125, 250, 500 mg/kg) increased latency to first writhing and decreased the number of writhings induced by acetic acid. In the formalin test, CFDv (250 mg/kg) decreased paw licking time in the first and second phases indicating antinociceptive activity that can be mediated both peripherally and at the central level. CFDv did not affect motor coordination until 120 minutes after treatment. CFDv shows psychopharmacological effects suggestive of CNS-depressant drugs with promising antinociceptive activity.

Essential oils and their constituents: anticonvulsant activity.

A literature-based survey of plants species and their essential oils with anticonvulsant activity was carried out. As results, 30 species belonging to 13 families and 23 genera were identified for their activities in the experimental models used for anticonvulsant drug screening. Thirty chemical constituents of essential oils with anticonvulsant properties were described. Information on these 30 species is presented together with isolated bioactive compound studies.

Thiophene-Based Compounds with Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis and gout, among other chronic inflammatory diseases are public health problems and represent major therapeutic challenges. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most prescribed clinical treatments, despite their severe side effects and their exclusive action in improving symptoms, without effectively promoting the cure. However, recent advances in the fields of pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and chemoinformatics have provided valuable information and opportunities for development of new anti-inflammatory drug candidates. For drug design and discovery, thiophene derivatives are privileged structures. Thiophene-based compounds, like the commercial drugs Tinoridine and Tiaprofenic acid, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The present review provides an update on the role of thiophene-based derivatives in inflammation. Studies on mechanisms of action, interactions with receptors (especially against cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX)), and structure-activity relationships are also presented and discussed. The results demonstrate the importance of thiophene-based compounds as privileged structures for the design and discovery of novel anti-inflammatory agents. The studies reveal important structural characteristics. The presence of carboxylic acids, esters, amines, and amides, as well as methyl and methoxy groups, has been frequently described, and highlights the importance of these groups for anti-inflammatory activity and biological target recognition, especially for inhibition of COX and LOX enzymes.

In Silico Study Examining New Phenylpropanoids Targets with Antidepressant Activity.

BACKGROUND: Natural products, such as phenylpropanoids, which are found in essential oils derived from aromatic plants, have been explored during non-clinical psychopharmacology studies, to discover new molecules with relevant pharmacological activities in the central nervous system, especially antidepressant and anxiolytic activities. Major depressive disorder is a highly debilitating psychiatric disorder and is considered to be a disabling public health problem, worldwide, as a primary factor associated with suicide. Current clinically administered antidepressants have late-onset therapeutic actions, are associated with several side effects, and clinical studies have reported that some patients do not respond well to treatment or reach complete remission. OBJECTIVE: To review important new targets for antidepressant activity and to select phenylpropanoids with antidepressant activity, using Molegro Virtual Docker and Ossis Data Warris, and to verify substances with more promising antidepressant activity. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: An in silico molecular modeling study, based on homology, was conducted to determine the three-dimensional structure of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5- HT2AR), then molecular docking studies were performed and the predisposition for cytotoxicity risk among identified molecules was examined. A model for 5-HT2AR homology, with satisfactory results, was obtained indicating the good stereochemical quality of the model. The phenylpropanoid 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol showed the lowest binding energy for 5-HT2AR, with results relevant to the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway, and showed no toxicity within the parameters of mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive system toxicity, and skin-tissue irritability, when evaluated in silico; therefore, this molecule can be considered promising for the investigation of antidepressant activity.

Antinociceptive and toxicological effects of Dioclea grandiflora seed pod in mice.

The acute treatment of mice with an ethanolic extract from the seed pod of Dioclea grandiflora (EDgP) at doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg by intraperitoneal administration produced a significant antinociceptive effect as displayed by the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the formalin test. The antinociception was observed through the first (neurogenic pain) and second (inflammatory pain) phases in the formalin test. The hot plate test did not show an increase in the antinociceptive latency whereas the motor performance was affected by the administration at 300 mg/kg at the beginning (30 minutes) of the observation period but not at later periods (60 and 120 minutes). These results suggest that EDgP has a central antinociceptive action and a possible anti-inflammatory activity in mice.

RMD86, a thiophene derivative, promotes antinociceptive and antipyretic activities in mice.

Treatment of pain and fever remains an important challenge for modern medicine. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the pharmacological options most often used, but their frequent use exposes the patient to serious side effects and dangerous drug interactions. In this context, thiophene derivatives are promising therapeutic alternatives. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo and in silico antinociceptive and antipyretic properties of RMD86, a thiophene derivative. At 100 mg/kg, RMD86 induced no significant changes in the motor coordination of mice in the Rotarod test. At 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg RMD86 significantly reduced the number of abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid (antinociceptive activity) in mice when compared to the control. In the formalin test, for the first phase, there was a reduction in licking times at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. In the second phase, reduction occurred at all doses. In the hot plate test, RMD86 (at 100 mg/kg) increased latency time in the first 30 min. For antipyretic activity, RMD86, when compared to the reference drug acetaminophen (250 mg/kg), significantly reduced pyrexia at 30, 60, and 120 min, at dosages of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg. Molecular docking studies revealed that RMD86 presents a greater number of interactions and lower energy values than both the co-crystallized ligand and the reference drug (meloxicam) against COX-1 and COX-2 isoenzymes. The results give evidence of the analgesic and antipyretic properties like NSAIDs suggesting its potential for pain therapy.

Antinociceptive Activity of Chemical Components of Essential Oils That Involves Docking Studies: A Review.

INTRODUCTION: Pain is considered an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience, being considered as one of the most important causes of human suffering. Computational chemistry associated with bioinformatics has stood out in the process of developing new drugs, through natural products, to manage this condition. OBJECTIVE: To analyze, through literature data, recent molecular coupling studies on the antinociceptive activity of essential oils and monoterpenes. DATA SOURCE: Systematic search of the literature considering the years of publications between 2005 and December 2019, in the electronic databases PubMed and Science Direct. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Were considered as criteria of 1) Biological activity: non-clinical effects of an OE and/or monoterpenes on antinociceptive activity based on animal models and in silico analysis, 2) studies with plant material: chemically characterized essential oils and/or their constituents isolated, 3) clinical and non-clinical studies with in silico analysis to assess antinociceptive activity, 4) articles published in English. Exclusion criteria were literature review, report or case series, meta-analysis, theses, dissertations, and book chapter. RESULTS: Of 16,006 articles, 16 articles fulfilled all the criteria. All selected studies were non-clinical. The most prominent plant families used were Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Verbenaceae, Lamiaceae, and Lauraceae. Among the phytochemicals studied were α-Terpineol, 3-(5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N'-[2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3H-indol-3-ylidene] propane hydrazide, ß-cyclodextrin complexed with citronellal, (-)-α-bisabolol, ß-cyclodextrin complexed with farnesol, and p-Cymene. The softwares used for docking studies were Molegro Virtual Docker, Sybyl®X, Vlife MDS, AutoDock Vina, Hex Protein Docking, and AutoDock 4.2 in PyRx 0.9. The molecular targets/complexes used were Nitric Oxide Synthase, COX-2, GluR2-S1S2, TRPV1, ß-CD complex, CaV1, CaV2.1, CaV2.2, and CaV2.3, 5-HT receptor, delta receptor, kappa receptor, and MU (µ) receptor, alpha adrenergic, opioid, and serotonergic receptors, muscarinic receptors and GABAA opioid and serotonin receptors, 5-HT3 and M2 receptors. Many of the covered studies used molecular coupling to investigate the mechanism of action of various compounds, as well as molecular dynamics to investigate the stability of protein-ligand complexes. CONCLUSIONS: The studies revealed that through the advancement of more robust computational techniques that complement the experimental studies, they may allow some notes on the identification of a new candidate molecule for therapeutic use.

Anticonvulsant Essential Oils and Their Relationship with Oxidative Stress in Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a most disabling neurological disorder affecting all age groups. Among the various mechanisms that may result in epilepsy, neuronal hyperexcitability and oxidative injury produced by an excessive formation of free radicals may play a role in the development of this pathology. Therefore, new treatment approaches are needed to address resistant conditions that do not respond fully to current antiepileptic drugs. This paper reviews studies on the anticonvulsant activities of essential oils and their chemical constituents. Data from studies published from January 2011 to December 2018 was selected from the PubMed database for examination. The bioactivity of 19 essential oils and 16 constituents is described. Apiaceae and Lamiaceae were the most promising botanical families due to the largest number of reports about plant species from these families that produce anticonvulsant essential oils. Among the evaluated compounds, ß-caryophyllene, borneol, eugenol and nerolidol were the constituents that presented antioxidant properties related to anticonvulsant action. These data show the potential of these natural products as health promoting agents and use against various types of seizure disorders. Their properties on oxidative stress may contribute to the control of this neurological condition. However, further studies on the toxicological profile and mechanism of action of essential oils are needed.